He began his career as a bossa nova musician, but soon began writing songs that reflected a new focus on political awareness and social activism, along with fellow singer Caetano Veloso. In the 1970s, Gil added new elements of African and North American music to his already broad palette, and continued to release a steady stream of albums, including Realce and Refazenda. João Gilberto recorded Gil's "Eu Vim da Bahia" ("I Came from Bahia") on his classic João Gilberto LP.
In 1969, Gil and Veloso, whose status in Brazil was, and is, equivalent to that of John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the English-speaking world, were arrested by the military government of Brazil for anti-government activities. Upon their release, the pair both moved to London. Gil began playing with groups like Yes, Pink Floyd and The Incredible String Band, while continuing his solo career. In the 1970s, he toured the US and recorded an English-language album. He worked with Jimmy Cliff and released in 1980 a cover of "No Woman, No Cry" (Bob Marley & the Wailers) that was a massive hit and introduced reggae to Brazil.
Gil continued recording, performing and involving himself in various social causes, and was eventually elected a city councillor in his home town Salvador in 1989. His 1993 album with Caetano Veloso, Tropicália 2, featured a cover of a Jimi Hendrix song, "Wait Until Tomorrow", and is regarded as one of his finest efforts since the late 1960s.
When President Lula da Silva took office in January 2003, he chose Gil to serve as Brazil's new Minister of Culture, a post he held until 2008. While minister, Gil released his songs "Refazenda", "Rebento" and "Refavela" under the Creative Commons Sampling License.
In May 2005 Gil was awarded the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm, Sweden. He was the first Latin American recipient of the annual award, which was given to him by the King of Sweden. Gil also performed four songs in an outdoors concert the day before the award show and again at the show with only two songs, accompanied by Jimmy Cliff.
In September 2005 he was awarded the Légion d'honneur from the French Government. This coincided with the Année du Brésil en France (Brazil's Year in France).
His daughter Preta Gil is also a musician.
Balafon
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Isso que toca bem, bem
Chama-se balafon
Em cada lugar tem
O nome deve ser outro qualquer
No Camerum
Isso que a gente chama marimba
Isso que toca bem, bem
Num lugar, não lembro bem
Chama-se balafon
Marim-bajé
Iré-xiré
Balafonjá
Orim-axé
The lyrics of Gilberto Gil's song "Balafon" refer to the African instrument called balafon, which is widely spread across the continent and known by different names in each region. The lyrics repeat the phrase "Isso que toca bem, bem" ("This plays well, well"), emphasizing the artistic quality and cultural richness of the instrument. The verses suggest that the name of instruments may vary widely, but that the universal quality of the music they produce remains the same.
The song celebrates the African roots of Brazilian music and highlights the importance of honoring and preserving cultural traditions. By acknowledging the balafon as a symbol of African heritage and music, Gilberto Gil brings attention to the diversity and richness of African culture, which has influenced music worldwide.
"Balafon" is a tribute to the diversity of African music, and its message is as relevant today as when the song was first released. The lyrics and melody of the song are an example of Gilberto Gil's talent for blending different musical styles and cultural influences into a unique and captivating sound.
Line by Line Meaning
Isso que toca bem, bem
This instrument that sounds so melodious
Isso que toca bem, bem
This instrument that sounds so euphonious
Chama-se balafon
It's called the balafon
Em cada lugar tem
It's found in different places
O nome deve ser outro qualquer
But the name may differ
No Camerum
In Cameroon
Isso que a gente chama marimba
What we call the marimba
Tem na África todo mesmo som
Has the same sound all over Africa
Isso que toca bem, bem
This instrument that sounds so melodious
Num lugar, não lembro bem
In a place, I don't remember well
Chama-se balafon
It's called the balafon
Marim-bajé
Marim-bajé
Irè-xiré
IRÈ-xiré
Balafonjá
Balafonjá
Orim-axé
Orim-axé
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GILBERTO GIL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind